Therapy of leprosy.
The latest developments and ideas in the therapy of leprosy are discussed, the need for long-term studies being stressed. The therapeutic efficacy and effective dosages of some sulfones (especially diaphenylsulfone), thiambutosine and long-acting sulfonamides such as sulfamethoxine and sulfalene, are considered. The possibilities for two newer drugs, 4,4'-diacetyldiaminodiphenylsulfone and clofazimine (B-663), both still in the early stages of evaluation, are also described and the potential value of thalidomide in treatment of the lepra reaction is discussed. The authors make a number of recommendations for controlled trials and lines of investigation and, in particular, favour a biochemical approach to the correction of defective host defences. Diaphenylsulfone is still considered the drug of choice for use in the therapy of leprosy.
D000814:Aniline Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007097:Imines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D007918:Leprosy / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010619:Phenazines / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013449:Sulfonamides / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013450:Sulfones / Q000008:administration & dosage; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014508:Urea / Q000627:therapeutic use
D000814:Aniline Compounds; D000890:Anti-Infective Agents; D007097:Imines; D010619:Phenazines; D013449:Sulfonamides; D013450:Sulfones; D013792:Thalidomide; D014508:Urea